The infrared system collects a large number of images daily, including many that are unrelated to elephants. With AI technology, the system has learned to automatically identify and filter out non-elephant images with over 99% accuracy, even detecting partial figures or shadows. Warnings are generated within 13–15 seconds through a fully automated process, reducing the need for manual review and enhancing the efficiency of elephant management.
So far, the system has captured over 3 million images and issued more than 12,000 automated warnings. All data is uploaded in real time to a centralized platform and shared with relevant agencies for research, management, and decision-making. This contributes to GBF Target 20 by promoting knowledge systems, technology, and innovation in biodiversity protection.

1.  Drone Monitoring
   Since 2017, the project has assigned dedicated drone monitoring teams to each elephant herd or individual active outside protected areas. Each team operates around the clock and currently includes over 70 trained personnel, all capable of locating elephants quickly and accurately.
2.  Infrared Camera Monitoring
   To address the limits of drone coverage—such as shift changes and blind spots at night—the project deployed a custom infrared monitoring system. A total of 600 infrared cameras with real-time data transmission, 21 video cameras, and 177 smart broadcasting devices have been installed in key zones, including roads, elephant corridors, and villages.
   Deployment is based on elephant activity hotspots. This supports space-use planning and the safe coexistence of people and elephants, while also informing corridor design and habitat protection. It aligns closely with GBF Targets 1 and 4 by applying technology to biodiversity management and species conservation.In addition, the project is exploring options for recycling and reusing monitoring equipment to ensure long-term ecological and environmental sustainability.

The first stage focused on carrying out a study to identify cult sites in the PNC and surrounding villages. OIPR's North-East Zone Management plans to revive ecotourism in the Comoé National Park (PNC). To this end, a strategy has been defined to promote the traditional practices of local residents for tourism purposes. Taking into account the history of the creation of the PNC, it is known that it inherited sacred sites in the interior for which little information is available. With this in mind, a study by the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët Boigny entitled "Contribution des pratiques socio-culturelles à la relance de l'écotourisme au Parc national de la Comoé" (Contribution of socio-cultural practices to the revival of ecotourism in the Comoé National Park) was initiated, with the aim of gathering information on cultural sites and attractions that could contribute to the revival of ecotourism in the CNP.

Effective monitoring relies on well-structured teams with clear responsibilities and close coordination. Based on elephant distribution, the project has built specialized drone monitoring teams following a “one herd, one strategy” approach, and established village-based monitoring groups in key areas. Drone teams track elephant activity with precision, while local teams provide on-the-ground support. This dual system—“follow the elephants” and “local presence”—covers over 95% of the wild elephant population (the remaining 5% are within protected areas). In areas where drones cannot operate, infrared cameras are used for 24/7 coverage. By combining aerial and ground technologies, the system has overcome challenges of nighttime and forest-area monitoring.
The system’s success depends on local personnel. Most monitors are young people from local communities who have received training in drone operation, field tracking, and warning communication. This approach not only improves local skills, but also enhances public awareness and engagement. It contributes directly to GBF Targets 20 and 21 by building community monitoring capacity and encouraging participation.

This technique for reclaiming banks in wetlands doesn't require a lot of resources. All that's needed is to take a fewEchinoclos stagnina or "Bourgou" stumps from the side where there are still some left (on the Park W side in our case), transport them by dugout canoe, then transplant them following the rise in water level. Once they have been transplanted, defend the area against cattle for two months. After this period, the fodder is harvested by cutting at a level above the stump.

A network of fishermen who are using the SIREN mobile app

Developing different dissemination methods strengthens communication within the interface of research, policy, and practice. While a study's core findings may remain consistent, the way these results are shared must be tailored to suit the specific needs, preferences, and capacities of different stakeholders. This approach ensures that the information is not only accessible but also impactful, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions or take appropriate action.

 For example, within the context of accompanying research in FLR implementation, the way results are communicated to implementers and policymakers differs from the approach used for academic audiences. Policymakers and implementers often operate in fast-paced environments where they require clear, concise, and actionable information. Policymakers and implementers benefit most from concise, straightforward communication that highlights actionable insights, often set apart from the detailed and structured format of scientific articles. 

By recognizing and adapting to these differences, our project as accompanying research bridges the gaps between evidence generation and practical application, fostering stronger connections and more meaningful collaborations between the worlds of science, policy, and practice.

The TREES project employs a multi-scale, cross-disciplinary approach to synthesize data from environmental, social, and economic analyses, providing a holistic understanding of FLR impacts across Africa with a key focus on East and West Africa. To achieve this goal, the overall objective is to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Africa through synthesis research that informs FLR policies and practices. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of FLR practices and their impacts, which are adaptable across different regions. By combining data from various disciplines, including environmental science, social science, and economic analyses, the project provides a holistic understanding of FLR practices and their complex interplay. Therefore, similar research methods are applied in order to look into similar problems under different contexts. The multi-disciplinary research methods applied in different countries are contextualized to come up with research based tailored solutions to the context of the country.

An annual international mobility program of 3 months per year was set up for all PhD students based in the countries of F4F implementation. The programme was designed in a way that all PhDs came to the host institution in Germany (ZALF) at the same time, in order to facilitate a structured PhD supervision system. Whilst in Germany, the stay consisted of multiple interlinked components, such as: desk-based research activities, integration in host institution’s meetings and events, joined workshops on project planning, methods trainings, reflections on PhD progress (chances and challenges), in-person status meetings with GIZ/F4F, as well as joined outreach activities including for example a symposia by GIZ and ZALF on restoration in the Global South in Bonn and a workshop on the concept of Accompanying research at TropentagConference2023 in Berlin. Students were also encourage to participate in further trainings and conferences depending on individual interests and needs. 

To facilitate global collaborations, strengthening of international research structures, capacity building and global learning, the TREES project as solution strongly builds on international partnerships. The team itself is composed in most of the countries of international research tandems, whereby PhD and Master students originate from the country of study as well as Germany or other country. Whilst each student has his/her individual research focus, data collection is planned and implemented in the binational tandems. Supervision is provided in international supervision tandems whereby in each country a university is taking the country lead and co-supervision is provided by the project lead organization.